Hiking to Machu Picchu was one of my first destination hikes and it didn’t disappoint! The world-famous hike on the Camino de Inca, or the Inca Trail as it’s often called, in the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu is the most popular and direct way to get to the ancient ruins. Over 1.2 million people visit per year and many trek the Inca trail or other alternative trails to see the ancient city. Celebrated as Peru’s most famous hike, the classic Inca trek to Machu Picchu can be considered one of the world’s iconic trekking experiences. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the new seven wonders of the world.

The Inca Trail is the classic route which follows the original trails that the Incas would have taken from the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Be prepared for stunning mountain ranges, diverse flora and fauna (over 220 species of orchid have been found in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as many species of birds, animals and reptiles) and archeological sites.

This trail is also limited to 500 trekkers per day (out of this a portion is earmarked for porters and guides). Securing a permit means booking early is critical and the busiest season is May-September. This classic route is typically completed on a four day three nights itinerary but can also be lengthened or shortened. The average trek distance per day is 12km, with a maximum altitude of 4,200m, and is a moderately challenging hike that can be completed by most people who are fit and well acclimatized. Accommodations on this four-day hike are in tents and all meals will be provided by the tour company. Here is my journey on the Inca Trail toward Machu Picchu:

1. Day 1 Cusco-Km82-Wayllabamba (3,000)

Cusco, Peru is the jumping off point for this hike and is a great base to spend a few days acclimatizing yourself to the altitude. I spent about two days in Cusco walking around the city and getting used to the altitude. On the start of the four-day hike, be ready for a lovely two-hour drive that will take you through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and onwards to Km82 - the start of the trail. This is where I caught my first glimpse of the Veronica Snow Mountain (5,720m). Before we started the hike, we took a lovely group pic in front of the Inca Trail sign then began walking for approximately three hours until we came to our first set of ruins – the Llactapata Ruins where we stopped for lunch before continuing onward through lush farmland and woodlands to Wayllabamba where we setup camp for our first night. We reached our camp quite early in the evening and had plenty of time to get to know our group, many of whom were from Europe and the Americas. One of the joys of group trekking is the opportunity to meet many like-minded people from various walks of life and I found this to be deeply enriching.

2. Day 2 Wayllabamba – Warmiwañusca (4,200m) – Pacaymayo (3,600m)

The second day on this trail is known as the toughest day of the four-day trek and is commonly referred to as the Dead Woman’s Pass day. This pass is the highest point in the Inca Trail at 4,200m and you will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the area. However, though the climb up is continually steep, the scenery is stunning and worth every step. The downhill portion after this is rather welcoming and we ended up at our second camp, Pacaymayo, around 2:30pm in the afternoon. Being at camp by late afternoon means you have a chance to stretch you muscles, unwind, journal, and really absorb the beautiful surroundings.

3. Day 3 Pacaymayo – Phuya Patamarka (3,600m) – Wiñay Huayna (2,700m)

After a good night’s sleep, I was ready to ascend towards the second most important pass on the trail which lies at 4,000m. We reached the Inca Ruins of Runkurakay and the Inca citadel of Sayacmarca and then continued trekking towards Puya Patamarka (Cloud-level town), another important archaeological monument, where we stopped for lunch. After lunch, we hiked toward Wiñay Huayna (Forever Young), a beautiful Inca construction and setup camp near to the ruins. I was hoping for a good night’s sleep on day 3 as we had to be up quite early the next day to begin the final trek to see Macchu Picchu. It rained a bit on the night of day 3 however, and some of the rain drops seeped into my tent and onto my head, not to mention it was quite cold, so sleep eluded me this night. But I still woke up fresh and alert, the adrenaline had kicked in, and I was ready for the final portion of the trek.

4. Wiñay Huayna – Machu Picchu (2,500m) – Cusco

We were up early this morning by 3:30am and after another delicious breakfast we began our hike for about an hour through the forest before we arrived at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) by sunrise for our first glimpse of Machu Picchu. I took the most photos here of the awe-inspiring view before setting off further down the path to explore the ruins. After a two-hour guided tour around the ruins, we wandered around to explore the area by ourselves before we head back by bus to Cusco.

I did this hike in May and found the weather to be perfect. I experienced some rain at times but it was mostly dry and rolling clouds brought in a cool breeze which was ideal for the hike. I only had to carry a day backpack filled with water, a clothing layer or two and snacks while the porters carried my actual bag filled with my clothes, my tent, sleeping bag, and food for the group. The camping accommodations are very comfortable, the sleeping bags provided keep you warm during the cold nights and overall the camp sites are simply stunning. I trained for this hike for about three months in my hometown in San Francisco and attempted as many steep uphill hikes as I could every weekend. Hiking does not come easily to me so practice hikes are always helpful for me as it helps me increase my stamina and provides me with the mental confidence to undertake such multi-day hikes. This hike inspired me to attempt more multi-day destination hikes because not only is the journey challenging and always teaches me something about myself, but the views, once you reach the final destination, are magical and unforgettable!

While there are many things to do and see in the world, some of the most treasured experiences cannot be planned for. Like the time I was invited to a Llama Blessing in the Lares Valley of Peru. The Lares Valley is tucked away behind Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, a journey that will take you past tiny mountain villages that dot the mountainside.

Last October, I had the pleasure of visiting Peru for the first time. I was able to interact with the locals, experience their cuisine, and explore the cities. During my stay, one of the most memorable things was the hospitality from the local people and their willingness to open their hearts to travelers. This life changing trip really inspired me to write about the amazing experiences that makes this destination one of my favorites.

The South American country of Peru might be most famously known for Machu Picchu and the Amazon Rainforest, but don’t be fooled into thinking that these are the only things that Peru has to offer. Here are 10 additional sites you may want to seek out during your visit to Peru, and and check out this handy travel guide.

Peru has one of the most diverse climates in the world, making it significantly more tricky to pack for. If you’re planning a trip here, you’ll most likely be exploring sites surrounding Cusco, here is our guide to help you prepare.

Celebrated as Peru’s most famous hike, the classic Inca trek to Machu Picchu can be considered one of the world’s iconic trekking experiences. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Peru a is popular designation in South America. This well-known country is home to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and a section of the Amazon River. Peru is the third-largest country in South America! Peru is a well-known travel destination but do you know about their unique hotels?

Peru is a huge country with so much more to offer beyond Machu Picchu, its best-known attraction. Here are some of Peru’s natural wonders that you won’t want to miss on your next visit to this beautiful country.

Peru contains 84 of the 103 ecosystems in the world and 28 of the 32 climates, making it the most ecologically diverse country in the world. And while the country is certainly travel-friendly all year round, the various regions and climates make different times of the year ideal for travel. Read below to figure out the best time to plan your perfect trip to Peru!

With its fresh ingredients and bursting flavors, Peruvian food has been climbing up the popularity charts over the past few years. Some restaurants have even consider the food a “trend.” Be sure to take advantage of all of these delicious dishes during your next trip to Peru!

Many tourists flock to Peru’s most popular wonder, Machu Picchu. This is for good reason, as Machu Picchu is one of the most inspiring and beautiful sites in the world as well as one of the 7 Wonders of the World. However, much of the Northern regions of Peru go unexplored. If travelers only knew the many amazing sites left unseen, I’m sure they would want to add a week or two on to their Peru Expedition.

Imagine taking a 10 hour flight, 3 hour drive, 1 hour train ride , 30 minute public bus, and a a 15 minute hike, you will find yourself at a place voted to be one of the New 7 Wonders of the World--Machu Picchu. While many people visit Machu Picchu, which don't get me wrong - is a spectacular site- they often miss exploring the beauty of the valleys & villages that surround it. Like visiting Juan, his family, and their 1000 alpacas.

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is an experience unlike any other. With three routes to choose from, the trek takes you through the Andes Mountains to the gates of the famous ruins. This journey can be found on many travelers’ bucket lists, and while almost anyone can accomplish it, a lot of important preparation must be done. The expedition will test your physical and mental limits like never before, but the experience and the breathtaking views make it so worth it. Keep reading to learn our tips for hiking the Inca Trail!

A couple weeks ago I went on the most incredible trip with Acanela, and what’s more I was allowed to bring my brother, Cameron, along for free! Together we discovered Peru, learning about their beautiful culture and taking countless photos.

Born and raised in the small village in the Peruvian mountains, Juan has dedicated his life to farming and caring for his family’s home and herds. Because the conditions are so extreme at the top of the Andes mountains, only certain products can survive, namely potatoes, corn, and, of course, Alpacas. This is how they survive in the mountains.

Almeurzo. That mid-afternoon meal where friends and family gather to take time to enjoy one another’s company. It’s not just lunch in Peru. It’s THE meal of the day. Everything comes to a halt for food, and then it’s naptime before heading back to work. Peru celebrates the afternoon like the Europeans celebrates the evening. The magic of a meal, however, is timeless.

Nothing brings people together quite like food. It’s at the heart of so many cultures, and learning about the local cuisine is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a new environment. There are countless destinations across the globe that offer mouthwatering dishes and rich culinary diversity, but some countries reign supreme. Keep reading for the top culinary destinations around the world!

The Seven Wonders of the Modern Day World are Petra (Jordan), Machu Picchu (Peru), Taj Mahal (Agra, India), The Roman Colosseum (Rome), Chichén Itzá (Mexico), Christ the Redeemer Statue (Brazil), and The Great Wall (China). Each monument earned a deserved spot on the list—as all are UNESCO World Heritage sites and some of the most visited places in the world.

We had the opportunity to travel with some INCREDIBLE Content Creators, Brands, and Influencers on our Tour of Peru! We had an AMAZING time as we immersed ourselves in Peru's BEAUTIFUL culture, cuisine, and landscapes.

Peru offers breathtaking views and exciting adventures year-round, but depending on how you plan to spend your trip, some months are better for travelers than others. Different times of the year provide diverse scenery, opportunities, weather, and flora & fauna. In Peru, the year is split into two distinct seasons—wet and dry. While they correspond with winter and summer, you’ll find that distinguishing between wet and dry will be the easiest way for you to plan your ultimate Peruvian getaway.

Machu Picchu is one of the top places to visit in of South America, followed very closely by the Galapagos Islands. A journey to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands is a trip that every traveler should take once in their lives. So, when is the best time to visit Galapagos and Machu Picchu? Typically Spring (April-June) and Fall (Sep-Nov) is the best time to visit, as the weather is mild and pleasant in both countries.

Don’t miss these 5 places to visit in Bolivia including: riding the cable-cars in La Paz, watching the sunrise over Lake Titicaca, hiking the Valley of the Moons, eating the street food in Copacabana, and taking the “Death Road” into the Bolivian Amazon. Bolivia is a hidden gem for adventure, amazing food, and beautiful photo locations - keep reading to hear more about my favorite places and favorite activities from my trip to Bolivia.

One of the best parts of traveling is trying new foods that are unique to the area you are visiting. Finding something delicious that you can’t get at home can be an adventure on its own. Here are ten sweet treats worth trying in different parts of the world.

It’s no secret that planning a wedding can quickly become overwhelming. Every decision feels more important than the last, from choosing the venue to the guest list to the flowers. But when you’re caught in the frenzy of planning, it’s important not to forget about what comes after the ceremony—the honeymoon. This decision making process is one you should cherish, as it’s where you’ll spend your first days as husband and wife. It’s your own personal paradise to unwind and soak it all in after the stress and craziness of wedding planning. It’s also the perfect opportunity to check off a bucket list vacation spot. For some, it may be hard to know where to start, but keep reading to find out our top destinations for honeymooners!

There’s no greater gift you can give your mother than spending quality time together, and what better way to show your love and appreciation than with a trip abroad! Your mom is the perfect travel buddy, and experiencing new cultures and adventures together will strengthen your bond and create lifelong memories you’ll cherish for years to come. These are the top 20 trips to take with your mom.

While there are so many things to do and see in Peru, some of the most treasured experiences cannot be planned for. I'll never forget the time we were invited to participate in a Llama Blessing Ceremony (alpaca are commonly blessed, too) in one of the villages outside of Ollantaytambo, Sacred Valley, Peru.

A thrilling new adventure awaits you at one of the top places to hike around the world! Whether you are a dedicated mountaineer or just looking to spend some time enjoying nature, each of these thrilling hikes will transport you to a world of wonder and leave you with a lasting sense of accomplishment. Experience rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and nature’s finest wildlife at one of these incredible destinations.

Packing for an independent trekking excursion can be daunting at first, but it becomes well dialed with practice and experience. It’s often more expensive, but lightweight options are well worth their price tag. Here’s a list of the essentials to pack I would consider for a Peru trip if you plan to hike independently. If you take a guided tour, there are several items you won’t need.

While Spring Break carries with it the connotation of warm destinations as the season transitions from Winter to Spring, there are plenty of destinations that can provide an equally good Spring Break experience. We’ve listed below our top 10 Spring Break Destinations for 2018!